Understanding the mechanism of RNA virus replication is of
prime significance due to its central role in viral pathogenesis.
Despite this importance, few details are known about viral
replication processes in eukaryotic systems. Often hostencoded
proteins are implicated in viral RNA replication
(1-4), potentially contributing enzymatic, structural, or regulatory
activities. However, these host factors are poorly
characterized, and their functions are not well defined.
Specific interaction of cellular proteins with RNA cis-acting
elements may be crucial for viral RNA replication (2-7) and
also for normal cellular functions (8-10).